About PACRN

Mission

The Pennsylvania Community Rights Network (PACRN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to assist Pennsylvania communities to establish Community Rights for democratic local self-governance, social justice,
and environmental sustainability.

Background

PACRN formed in 2010, when over 30 PA citizens from a dozen PA counties met in Chambersburg, Pa. who all had at least one thing in common: they had led campaigns to stop harmful corporate activities from being forced onto their communities. These founding members wanted to assist other communities by sharing their knowledge and experience, as well as to broaden the focus and mission with an emphasis on constitutional change. That meeting led to the Chambersburg Declaration.

While the work of PACRN traditionally focused on environmental issues, the focus has now expanded to include more urban social justice issues as well. We now recognize that we don't have environmental problems, or even social justice problems: what we have are democracy problems, whereby those of us who are most affected by decisions are often not the ones with the authority to make those decisions.

​Thus, our work is now aiming to build relationships and provide organizing assistance to groups working on issues that include sanctuary cities, campaign finance reform, higher minimum wages, worker/labor protections, and police accountability.

PACRN is working with communities at both the local and state levels, assisting community groups and leaders
who want to work for changes to our PA constitution to return power to We the People.

The Chambersburg Declaration

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Board Members
Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck, Lancaster County – President
Stacy Wanchisn Long, Indiana County – Secretary
Dennis Lieb, Northampton County – Treasurer
Cathy Miorelli, Schuylkill County
Chad Nicholson, Allegheny County
Cliff Stump, Elk County
Dave Laidacker, Montour County
Kara Scott, Carbon County
Barb Lucia, Warren County
​Tom and Judy Orzetti, Elk County

In Memory of John Trallo, Sullivan County